Maslow's hierarchy of needs and health issues

Maslow's hierarchy of needs - I studied it in college, way back in the seventys. That was a long time ago.  I hardly remember any specifics from my college classes, but for some reason Maslow's hierarchy of needs stuck with me for forty years.  I have contemplated this idea throughout the years, and have made some observations that I think are related to my health and weight issues.

For many years, I rescued stray cats. I sheltered, fed, tamed, and found homes for dozens of cats over the years. I used Maslow's hierarchy to heal them. Even the wildest animals could usually be tamed. I just had to follow a certain pattern.

I always started by providing food and shelter until they were ready to be tamed. I created cat shelters in places where they could hide and feel safe.  I also made sure there was food available to them 24/7. (Food and shelter fall into the first two tiers of the hierarchy)

I could tell when cats were ready to make friends, and be tamed. They were ready to be tamed when they started cleaning themselves. A clean stray cat was an obvious, outward sign that I would have good luck taming them. As soon as they were able to have faith in a safe place to sleep and an unlimited food source, they started bathing themselves. And once they started cleaning themselves, I knew their stress levels had dropped enough so I could start the taming process. Cats are normally very clean animals (although technically, they are covered in spit. ha!). If I see a dirty cat, I know that cat is dealing with stress in some area.

Over the last year, I have been thinking about Maslow's hierarchy of needs as it relates to my health and weight. The first two tiers in the hierarchy are "physiological needs" and "safety needs." Eating the food falls into the "physiological needs" tier. But trusting the food to nourish you falls into the "safety needs" tier. Once the food requirement is fulfilled, I should be able to move up into the "safety needs" tier. And once the "safety needs" are met, move up to the next tier, "love and belonging." But I have a feeling that I, as well of many other people, are still stuck in the "safety" tier because of an unhealthy relationship food.

Let me explain.  I feel that I am scared of food, angry at food, and feel defeated by food. I do not feel safe yet, so I cannot move up the hierarchy and be truly healthy. I have spent many years pointing the finger at food and basically saying, "You have done this to me.  Poor me. I am a victim."

Since I have an abundance of food available to me, I am able to move up a tier, but I am stuck in the next tier because I still do not feel safe with food.

One thing I have noticed, after I have said a blessing over my meal, I immediately start trash-talking food. I have just asked God to use the food to nourish my body, but immediately negate that blessing by commenting on how this food is going to raise my cholesterol or the food is fattening or something similar. I asked God to bless my food, and then I start telling Him I don't have faith in His ability to bless the food.

I want to feel safe. I want to be happy. I want to be able to move up the tiers until I reach "self transcendence".  Wouldn't that be awesome?

But for now, I will watch my feelings and words about food.

I want to get to a place in my life, like the lady in the Abraham video I shared last week, where I can proudly and confidently exclaim, "Food is my friend."



weight: 230
waist:  41
Morning temperature: 97.7